This is a quick review for the Kato Square clone.
Kato Square is a top firing mechanical mod, slightly wider and about the same height as a MVP 2.0. It takes a single 18650 battery. There were only 500 made for the authentic, so chances are if you want one, you'll have to get the clone. The manufacturer of this clone was not disclosed, but I know there are two out there, Limwell and Hotcig. If I have to guess, I would say this is made by Limwell, taken from other reviews I've read about this clone.
I purchased this clone from GearBest, for $42 which was the cheapest I found. The picture on their site doesn't show the serial number, you'll receive one that does. The clone was shipped from Singapore via DHL. It comes in a blue carrying case, extra spring, and a hex wrench, just like the authenic.
The mod is made with polished stainless steel frame and brushed aluminum body, hold together with hex screws. It has a nice weight to it even without the battery and atomizer. With everything, it does feel a bit heavy over time. On one side, you have the logo and serial number (I believe is randomly chosen), and the word KATO on the other side.
The specs are nothing fancy, adjustable 510 connection, adjustable spring loaded firing button, locking ring, and battery vent holes. The diameter of the top ring is 23.5mm, so it should fit most if not all atomizers out there. With my Fogger, there's a bit of gap at the top ring, but because it's secured at the bottom, it doesn't bother me that much. If you're planning on using a RDA with this, you'll need a long drip tip due to the top ring. For atomizers that don't fit the top ring, you are out of luck as you cannot leave the top frame off, because the body is not threaded.
There are 4 hex screws holding the top and bottom frames, everything else can be taken apart by hands. There are several small parts, but I didn't have any problem putting it back together after taking it apart just once.
One issue I had was with the base holding the long brass contact and spring, if you sit it wrong, you'll block the battery vent holes. Make sure you can see through the holes. Just turn it around if you can't.
On to the build quality. I was very impressed with how well it's constructed, even though I don't have the authentic to compare, it feels quite rigid. Because it's made with stainless steel and aluminum, I would worry about scraching it if I were to carry it all the time. Even when just taking the atomizer on and off, I have to be very careful, especially given the sharp edges. When first opening the case, I could see marks here and there, not scratches or anything major. But I guess the same holds true for anything made with polished stainless steel and aluminum. The stainless steel, while shining and prone to fingerprints, does provide gorgeous contrast to the aluminum body.
Here's a close-up. More pictures in the album below. The threads are spot on in my opinion.
Here's all the pictures and a slideshow.
Kato Square Clone - Imgur || https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl-B8lx1bZA
I don't have a lot of complaints about this mod, but I will complain about the locking ring. It's not reverse threaded so it's very easy to unscrew the whole cap, which gets annoying over time. I found it easier to turn using my fingernail so to not touching the whole cap. Also for $42, it's a bit expensive for a clone. But you get a beautiful and one of the kind mod, I think it's worth it, given its similar form factor as a MVP and how much I like box mods.
Lastly, I'm giving one KATO Square clone away. More info here: http://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_cigarette/comments/2jsuck/kato_square_clone_review_giveaway/
Kato Square is a top firing mechanical mod, slightly wider and about the same height as a MVP 2.0. It takes a single 18650 battery. There were only 500 made for the authentic, so chances are if you want one, you'll have to get the clone. The manufacturer of this clone was not disclosed, but I know there are two out there, Limwell and Hotcig. If I have to guess, I would say this is made by Limwell, taken from other reviews I've read about this clone.
I purchased this clone from GearBest, for $42 which was the cheapest I found. The picture on their site doesn't show the serial number, you'll receive one that does. The clone was shipped from Singapore via DHL. It comes in a blue carrying case, extra spring, and a hex wrench, just like the authenic.
The mod is made with polished stainless steel frame and brushed aluminum body, hold together with hex screws. It has a nice weight to it even without the battery and atomizer. With everything, it does feel a bit heavy over time. On one side, you have the logo and serial number (I believe is randomly chosen), and the word KATO on the other side.
The specs are nothing fancy, adjustable 510 connection, adjustable spring loaded firing button, locking ring, and battery vent holes. The diameter of the top ring is 23.5mm, so it should fit most if not all atomizers out there. With my Fogger, there's a bit of gap at the top ring, but because it's secured at the bottom, it doesn't bother me that much. If you're planning on using a RDA with this, you'll need a long drip tip due to the top ring. For atomizers that don't fit the top ring, you are out of luck as you cannot leave the top frame off, because the body is not threaded.
There are 4 hex screws holding the top and bottom frames, everything else can be taken apart by hands. There are several small parts, but I didn't have any problem putting it back together after taking it apart just once.
One issue I had was with the base holding the long brass contact and spring, if you sit it wrong, you'll block the battery vent holes. Make sure you can see through the holes. Just turn it around if you can't.
On to the build quality. I was very impressed with how well it's constructed, even though I don't have the authentic to compare, it feels quite rigid. Because it's made with stainless steel and aluminum, I would worry about scraching it if I were to carry it all the time. Even when just taking the atomizer on and off, I have to be very careful, especially given the sharp edges. When first opening the case, I could see marks here and there, not scratches or anything major. But I guess the same holds true for anything made with polished stainless steel and aluminum. The stainless steel, while shining and prone to fingerprints, does provide gorgeous contrast to the aluminum body.
Here's a close-up. More pictures in the album below. The threads are spot on in my opinion.
Here's all the pictures and a slideshow.
Kato Square Clone - Imgur || https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl-B8lx1bZA
I don't have a lot of complaints about this mod, but I will complain about the locking ring. It's not reverse threaded so it's very easy to unscrew the whole cap, which gets annoying over time. I found it easier to turn using my fingernail so to not touching the whole cap. Also for $42, it's a bit expensive for a clone. But you get a beautiful and one of the kind mod, I think it's worth it, given its similar form factor as a MVP and how much I like box mods.
Lastly, I'm giving one KATO Square clone away. More info here: http://www.reddit.com/r/electronic_cigarette/comments/2jsuck/kato_square_clone_review_giveaway/
